FORTY-FIVE offences uncovered in taxi and PHV sting in Luton which also included TfL enforcement

Image credit: BCH Road Policing Unit

A joint taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) operation in Bedfordshire saw FORTY-FIVE offences uncovered in a licensing sting that also involved Transport for London (TfL).

The operation lead by Bedfordshire Police was set up on Gipsy Lane, Luton on Monday 15 August. Officers stopped a total of 32 vehicles for checks on their licences and vehicles.

Bedfordshire Police were supported by DVSA Enforcement, Luton Council, TfL and HM Revenue and Customs. Checks saw eight drivers suspended, five tyre offences uncovered, and 19 drivers reported for not displaying their badges and other offences.

The BCH Road Policing Unit said via social media: “Gipsy Lane, Luton. Joint operation with Luton Taxi Licensing. 32 taxis stopped. 8 suspended, 5 tyre offences, 19 not displaying their badges plus other offences. Total of 45 offences found and dealt with.”

A spokesperson for Luton Council told Luton Today: “In conjunction with the police, the council has carried out an enforcement exercise on Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicles in the Luton area. This took place in an area that has a high volume of vehicles licensed with other authorities due to its vicinity to London Luton Airport and we will be passing on full details to the relevant licensing bodies.

“Such actions are vital to ensure 100 per cent compliance with the terms of their trading licence and most importantly to ensure there is the utmost regard for passenger safety. This is an important trade within the town and beyond and all members of the public have the right to expect the very highest standards of professionalism and duty of care.

“We trust this and subsequent enforcement exercises will help maintain public confidence and remind operators of their responsibilities. We will not hesitate to take appropriate action on those who are breaking the law or failing to comply with current legislation.”